Idaho State @ Washington State preview

THE STORY: Washington State coach Paul Wulff might need to double his victory total in his fourth season at the school to have any chance of maintaining his job. Wulff enters the opener against Idaho State with a 5-32 record in three seasons on the Palouse. Idaho State’s downtrodden program rates as an easy first step for the Cougars. Idaho State has suffered through three consecutive one-win campaigns and will be playing its first game under new coach Mike Kramer.

TV: None. LINE: None.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2010: 2-10, 1-8 Pac-10): Junior quarterback Jeff Tuel threw for 18 touchdowns but was intercepted 12 times last season; he might be better if he gets improved protection. The Cougars allowed 51 sacks last season. Sophomore receiver Marquess Wilson caught 55 passes for 1,006 yards in his first college season and senior receiver Jared Karstetter (62 receptions, 658 yards) is a reliable short-range target. Washington State allowed 35.8 points per game last season but features a solid defensive end in junior Travis Long, who had 10.5 tackles for losses. Sophomore cornerback Nolan Washington and safeties Deone Bucannon (sophomore) and Tyree Toomer (junior) are returning starters in the secondary.

ABOUT IDAHO STATE (2010: 1-10, 0-8 Big Sky): Kramer is a head coach for the first time since being fired by Montana State in 2007 after a series of arrests involving current and former football players. He also coached at Eastern Washington, making Idaho State his third stop in the Big Sky. Junior-college transfer Kevin Yost won the starting quarterback gig. Kramer’s teams have a history of playing an up-tempo attack. Senior returner Tavoy Moore had four return scores last season, two on kickoffs and two on punts. Senior linebacker A.J. Storms (146 tackles in 2010) is one of 20 candidates for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player in the FCS.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Washington State senior cornerback Aire Justin was suspended for the season after failing a drug test.

2. Kramer served on Washington State’s staff last season as assistant to the director of football operations.

3. This is the teams' first-ever meeting.

PREDICTION: Washington State 38, Idaho State 14 – The Cougars have too much speed and talent for the woeful Bengals to keep it close.